Let’s clear something up: accommodations are NOT charity. They are not about giving kids “special treatment” or letting them "take the easy way out." They are about giving students the tools they need to access the same educational opportunities as their peers.
Imagine asking a child to run a race while wearing shoes two sizes too small. Could they finish the race? Maybe. But would they perform their best or compete on equal footing with others? Absolutely not. That’s what it’s like for students with disabilities when they don’t have the accommodations and supports they need to succeed.
Why Are Accommodations Necessary?
Leveling the Playing Field
Accommodations like extra time, audiobooks, or seating changes don’t give students an advantage—they allow them to participate equally. Without these tools, students with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, or physical disabilities might spend so much energy just trying to keep up that they can’t focus on actually learning.Reducing Barriers, Not Lowering Standards
Accommodations remove barriers, not expectations. For example, giving a student access to text-to-speech technology doesn’t mean they don’t have to read. It means they can focus on comprehension without being hindered by their disability.Supporting Potential, Not Limiting It
Kids with IEPs and 504 Plans are often some of the brightest, most creative problem-solvers, but they need support to reach their potential. By providing accommodations, we help them thrive rather than struggle in silence.
It’s a Legal Right, Not a Favor
Under laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, students with disabilities have the right to equal access to education. Accommodations and services are not "extras" or “nice-to-haves”—they are required by law to ensure every child gets a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
These laws exist because the system isn’t always built for students who learn differently. Accommodations ensure that no child is left behind because of their unique needs.
Rethinking the Stigma
Too often, parents, educators, or peers see accommodations as something to be embarrassed about—as if needing support is a sign of weakness. In reality, recognizing and addressing a child’s needs is one of the most empowering things we can do for them.
Accommodations aren’t “special treatment.” They’re like glasses for a child with poor vision or a ramp for someone in a wheelchair. No one would question the fairness of those tools because they’re essential for the person’s success. The same goes for IEPs and 504s.
The Bottom Line
Accommodations ensure equity, not charity. They provide students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and in life. Every child deserves an education that meets them where they are and helps them reach their full potential.
By supporting kids with accommodations, we’re not giving them a handout—we’re giving them a fair shot. And that’s what education should be about.
Let’s stop seeing accommodations as “extras” and start seeing them for what they are: necessary tools for success. Every child deserves the chance to thrive.